Top Collegiate Percussion Ensembles Take To the Field with Yamaha

Yamaha Continues to Build Its Legacy as Top Marching Percussion Retailer

BUENA PARK, Calif.  Several of the nation's top college marching bands agree on one thing across the board: Yamaha Percussion instruments are a key ingredient in their success. Yamaha Corporation of America, Band & Orchestral Division recently announced collaborations with the ensembles of the University of Arizona (Pride of Arizona), University of Connecticut (The Huskies), University of Nevada, Las Vegas (The Star of Nevada), University of Kansas (The Jayhawks) and Duke University.

Yamaha MTS-9214 Snare Drum

• In Tucson, Arizona the University of Arizona Marching Band, known as The Pride of Arizona, will use Yamaha Blue Forest MTS-9214 Snare Drums, Field-Corps 8200 Series Multi-Toms and Bass Drums along with carriers, stands cases and drum covers. With over 250 members, "The Pride" includes a battery-unit drumline and award winning auxiliary units of baton twirlers, dancers and color guard. "The Pride is aggressive and always pushing the envelope, when it comes to our drumline we need drums that are the same," said Jay C. Rees, Director the "Pride of Arizona. "Yamaha has always been forward-thinking in their design and their customer service goes above and beyond! The members of the band are ecstatic with their new Yamaha drumline and we will be moving in new and exciting directions for years to come."

• The University of Connecticut Marching Band, known as The Pride of Connecticut, has recently purchased the Silky Silver Drums MTS-9214 Snares, Field-Corps 8200 Series Multi-Toms and Bass Drums, along with carriers, stand cases and drum covers. The nearly 300-member-strong wall of sound is best known for its energy and endless passion for music. The Pride brings its animated and exciting shows to crowds across the Northeast and the world. "For a school that is well known for its basketball program, the marching should not be overlooked," said Troy Wollwage, Marketing Manager, Yamaha Percussion. "With the resurgence of the football program, more Connecticut alumni and fans will have a great opportunity to see and hear more of this band and realize the impact this program has within the Northeast."

Yamaha MTS-9214 Snare Drum

• The University of Nevada, Las Vegas Marching Band is one of the most respected music ensembles in the country. Also known for their popular band camp, the marching band is led by UNLV Associate Professor of Music Anthony LaBounty. The school purchase included Blue Forest 8200 Series Bass Drums and Multi-Toms, SFZ Snare drums, Field-Corps and Stadium Hardware. "We are extremely pleased with the quality of our new Yamaha marching line  quality we have come to expect from Yamaha," said Mr. LaBounty, who is also the chair of the Nevada Chapter of the National Band Association.

• The University of Kansas Marching Band, known as the Marching Jayhawks, represents the university in over 125 performances each school year. There are over 400 students involved in the programs of the KU Bands. "When selecting marching percussion for the University of Kansas Marching Jayhawks, the choice was simple: Yamaha," said David Clemmer, Director of Athletic Bands. "Across the board, Yamaha products provide our band a great sound and a cutting edge experience." The Jayhawks purchase included Blue Forest 8200 Series Bass Drums and Multi-Toms, SFZ Snare drums, Field-Corps cases, carriers and Stadium Hardware.

• Duke University's Marching Drumline benefited greatly from Yamaha percussion. The ensemble, which performs regularly at all home basketball and football games, also travels to the ACC Tournament and the NCAA Tournament games. "After outfitting the Duke University Marching Drumline with Yamaha equipment, the students and director were amazed with the new sound and personality the drums gave the section," said Amy Davis, Percussion Instructor and Yamaha Artist. "It is a comfort to know we have great equipment as well as all the support and commitment that comes with the Yamaha name. I am happy to be a part of the Yamaha family and to introduce my students at Duke to these fine instruments."

"Yamaha percussion instruments are built to the highest standards of artistry, function and durability," says Troy Wollwage, Marketing Manager for Yamaha Percussion. "To see them in the hands of America's most elite marching groups is the ultimate justification of that philosophy, and we know that all the musicians taking part in these ensembles will receive the top notch quality and dependability of the Yamaha brand."